About Parkinson’s

Cognitive issues with young onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) include slowed thinking and processing, memory problems, difficulty with planning and organizing, and challenges with language, attention, and visuospatial skills. These changes can range from mild, known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which doesn’t always affect daily functioning, to more severe dementia that significantly impacts daily life. Psychologically, YOPD can lead to greater social stigma and poorer quality of life, with increased mood symptoms like anxiety and depression. 

Common Cognitive Difficulties

• Executive Functions: 

This includes difficulty with planning, organizing, multitasking, and making decisions. 

• Memory: 

Forgetting names, taking longer to recall information, and having general forgetfulness are common. 

• Language: 

Problems with word finding, naming objects, comprehension, and speaking less or more simply can occur. 

• Visuospatial Skills: 

Impaired sense of direction, difficulty judging space, and problems with depth perception are also seen. 

• Attention and Concentration: 

Difficulty focusing, especially in complex situations like conversations, and problems with working memory are reported. 

Progression to Dementia

• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): 

These are mild cognitive changes that, while sometimes annoying, do not significantly interfere with daily life or work. 

• Dementia: 

When cognitive changes become severe enough to profoundly impact daily living and self-care, it may be considered dementia. Dementia occurs due to the same brain changes that cause motor symptoms in Parkinson’s, but its progression is often slower in young-onset cases. 

Psychosocial Impact

• Stigma and Quality of Life: 

Individuals with YOPD often experience greater social stigma, stress, and a poorer quality of life compared to older onset cases. 

• Mood Symptoms: 

Cognitive changes can be accompanied by increased anxiety and depression, further affecting overall well-being. 

Important Considerations

• Not Universal: Not everyone with YOPD will experience significant cognitive issues. 
• Stress and Medications: Stress, depression, and medication side effects can contribute to or worsen cognitive symptoms. 

Prompt Medical Evaluation: Any new or sudden changes in thinking should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.